Save to Pinterest A creamy, tangy baked feta pasta elevated with sweet caramelised onions and rich sun-dried tomatoes. This modern twist delivers deep flavor and irresistible texture, perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
I first tried baked feta pasta during a busy week and was amazed at how simple ingredients come together for a rich, crowd-pleasing dish. The caramelised onions add a wonderful sweet note that makes this recipe a staple in my home.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) dried short pasta (e.g. fusilli, penne, or rigatoni)
- Cheese: 200 g (7 oz) block feta cheese
- Vegetables: 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced; 200 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved; 80 g (1/2 cup) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for serving)
- Pantry: 3 tbsp olive oil (divided); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep & Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Build Base:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to combine.
- Add Feta:
- Place the feta block in the center, nestling it among the tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over feta and season lightly with pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden at the edges.
- Caramelise Onions:
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden. Set aside.
- Pasta Cooking:
- While onions caramelise, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta water, then drain.
- Combine:
- Remove baking dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and basil, then stir everything, breaking up feta to form a creamy sauce.
- Finish:
- Add cooked pasta to dish, toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save to Pinterest Whenever I make this, my family gathers around and each person has a favorite part: some love the sweet onions, others go straight for the creamy sauce. It's a dish that always brings everyone together.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, large pot for boiling pasta, skillet, knife and chopping board, wooden spoon or spatula
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 480, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 16 g
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Pairs perfectly with crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé. Add baby spinach or arugula just before serving for a fresh touch.
Save to Pinterest This bright, creamy pasta is sure to become your go-to comfort meal. For an extra flourish, sprinkle with fresh basil before bringing it to the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
While feta provides a tangy creaminess, you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder taste and similar texture.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta shapes such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and disperse flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- → How do I achieve deeply caramelised onions?
Cook sliced onions low and slow in olive oil for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden and sweet.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace regular pasta with a gluten-free alternative to cater to dietary needs.
- → What can I serve alongside this pasta?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a light Mediterranean appetizer.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, all the ingredients are plant-friendly. Just ensure your feta and sun-dried tomatoes meet vegetarian standards.